Unit Research Administrator (Finance)

The Pre-Award Unit Research Administrator (URA) is a key member of the Research Pre-Award team responsible for overseeing pre-award activities at the USF College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computing. This role involves close collaboration with external funding agencies and internal academic units, faculty, and stakeholders to support the development of sponsored research at the University. Reporting to the Dean of Research, the Pre-Award Unit Research Administrator provides specialized support across the full life cycle of sponsored program administration, primarily focusing on pre-award functions. The position directly supports Principal Investigators (PIs) in securing funding from federal agencies and non-federal organizations.

Key responsibilities include Proactively identifying funding opportunities, assisting in proposal development, routing, and submission, and Ensuring compliance with sponsor guidelines and institutional policies. This role is critical in advancing the College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computing?s research initiatives by facilitating successful grant submissions and fostering strong relationships with funding agencies.MINIMUM:
This position requires a Bachelor?s degree and 1 year of professional administrative experience; or a Master?s degree. Progressively responsible related experience may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis.

PREFERRED:
At least one year of experience in budgeting and administration within a university, office, private foundation, or research setting. Familiarity with electronic grant submission platforms, including Grants.gov, Research.gov, and FastLane. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Adobe Acrobat. Strong ability to multitask and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Adaptability and flexibility to meet evolving priorities and deadlines.The University of South Florida is a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success. Over the past 10 years, no other public university in the country has risen faster in U.S. News and World Report's national university rankings than USF. Serving more than 50,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, USF is designated as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors, placing it in the most elite category among the state's 12 public universities. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference.
\n
Working at USF
\n
With more than 16,000 employees at USF, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay region. At USF you will find opportunities to excel in a rich academic environment that fosters the development and advancement of our employees. We believe in creating a talented, engaged and driven workforce through on-going development and career opportunities. We also offer a first class benefit package that includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, tuition program and generous leave programs and more.
\n
To learn more about working at USF please visit: Work Here. Learn Here. Grow Here .Reviews and prepares budgets, related documentation, and sponsor forms. Coordinates with partner institutions to obtain all necessary subcontract documentation. Assists in uploading materials to electronic proposal packages. Facilitates proposal review with the central sponsored research office. Supports corrections and modifications before proposal submission. Approve and sign off on pre-award documentation while securing necessary internal approvals. Maintains funding opportunity databases and tracks pending awards. Monitors deadlines to ensure timely proposal submissions. Tracks grant renewal deadlines and helps prepare grant reports as needed.

Review sponsor guidelines and identify key requirements. Ensure all regulatory requirements and export control issues are identified. Facilitate cost share approvals.

Serves as a liaison to central offices across the USF campus. Stay up to date on university and sponsor policies and procedures. Provides policy guidance and support for all aspects of proposal development, including administrative forms, sponsor-required certifications, representations, and compliance requirements. Facilitates electronic proposal submissions by providing necessary tools and resources.

Identifies funding sources for research and service programs. Assist faculty in preparing letters of intent, preliminary proposals, grant and contract proposals, and supplements. Provides technical assistance and guidance to support proposal development, administrative review, and the funding process for faculty. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on grant applications.

Provides guidance on non-financial post-award matters, including re-budgeting requests, no-cost extensions, and interpretation of award terms and conditions. Assists new college faculty with grant transfers to ensure a smooth transition.

Performs other duties as assigned